Message from the Regent

Message From Your ACHE Regent
Spring 2025

Hello fellow ACHE members,

As I write my last Spring Regent message, I reflect on the past two years. The friendships that I have formed, the education that I have received, and the countless lessons learned. Now, this is your invitation to look to be included as a candidate for Regent for Minnesota this coming fall, as my term will end next March. As Abraham Lincoln said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” This is your opportunity to create your future. If you should have any questions about the elected position, please reach out to me.

The Congress on Healthcare Leadership is ACHE’s annual premier education and networking event that gathered more than 7,000 leaders from the healthcare community. Congress was held in Houston this year, which was a great success, with the theme of “Right Here, Right Now.” Mark your calendars for Congress 2026, March 2-5, again in Houston, Texas. Sign up early!

*FYI: 2027 Congress will be hosted in Nashville, Tennessee.

As a Regent of District 3, we were gathered before and after gowning, pictured below:

Our ACHE-MN chapter won the Chapter Merit Award, and the following members attended the MacEachern Memorial Lecture and Luncheon, “No Ordinary Time: A Front Row Seat to History.” Four of the chapter leaders attended, were recognized, and accepted the award: Lindsey Lehman, FACHE; Sue McClernon, PhD, FACHE; Shannon Pitre; and myself.

As your Regent, I was able to attend the 91st Convocation on March 21 and witness new Fellows being recognized for achieving status. I was reminded of the pledge we take, along with the vision, mission and values of ACHE:

The Council of Regents is made up of leaders elected to represent their members and influence the greater good of the organization. With an understanding of ACHE’s policies, programs, services, and the needs of its members, the Council harnesses its collective skill to advance ACHE’s vision, mission, and values. In addition to providing advice and counsel to the Board of Governors, the Council also has the important responsibility of electing the Board of Governors and its Chair.

This past year, the following achieved this recognition from Minnesota. Congratulations to:

Erik M. Adolphson, FACHE
Towfik Elmi, DBH, FACHE
Shelly Gompf, EdD, FACHE
Tracy Hendrickx, FACHE
Mary McClernon, FACHE
Kanitta Rentfrow, FACHE
Brook L. Thorson, FACHE
Jennifer L. Walter, FACHE

Unfortunately, some of our chapter members achieving FACHE status were not able to walk at Convocation. I was able to take a couple of pictures of Tracy Hendrickx and Shelly Gompf receiving their pins. I also caught Tracy at the reception and both Tracy and Shelly at our Mix and Mingle for pictures.

Many from the ACHE-MN and ACHE-WI Chapters were able to “mix and mingle” at The Rustic on Monday evening during Congress:

As Regent, I also had the privilege and honor to attend and present the University of Minnesota Clerkship Award to Ellia Dalzell for her project titled “Bridging the Gap – Navigating Care & Creating Access Through Digital Solutions.” Year after year, the ACHE-MN Chapter looks forward to this event and financially supports this award to honor the best Clerkship project. Our ACHE-MN student involvement has grown significantly over the past few years, and we are so pleased to have the support and engagement from wonderful students. Congratulations, Ellia!

We set the benchmark for board certification in healthcare management.

The FACHE credential brings continuous value to you as a healthcare leader, to your organization and to your community. The credential:

• Provides recognition as a leader among leaders in healthcare management.
• Demonstrates your competency in all areas of healthcare management.
• Signifies your lifelong commitment to change and improvement.

Before Getting Started, You Will Need:

✓ Current ACHE Membership with one year of tenure as an ACHE Member, Faculty Associate or International Associate. Student Associate membership does not count toward tenure. Faculty Associates and International Associates must first transfer to Member status to submit an application.
✓ A Master’s or other post-baccalaureate degree.
✓ Currently hold an executive-level healthcare management position.
✓ Minimum of five years of healthcare management experience.

Board of Governors Exam Fee Waiver Campaign Runs Through June 30

Encourage your chapter members to not only take the next important step in their careers by advancing to Fellow status but also to take advantage of our Board of Governors Exam fee waiver offer (a savings of $225). Candidates who submit an FACHE application March 1–June 30 are eligible to receive the waiver, pending approval of the application. Visit ache.org/FACHE to learn more.

Upcoming In-Person Events

2025 Executive Program
June 8, 2025–November 4, 2025
Price: From $10,250.00
You’ll earn 30 ACHE In-Person Education Credits.
LEARN MORE

 2025 Boston Cluster
July 14, 2025–July 16, 2025
Check out our upcoming cluster sessions.
LEARN MORE

 2025 Chicago Cluster
August 11, 2025–August 13, 2025
Check out our upcoming cluster sessions.
LEARN MORE

Mark your calendars for these upcoming in-person events, and check back soon for more details:
2025 Nashville Cluster
November 3–5, 2025

2025 Orlando Cluster
December 15–17, 2025

2026 Congress
March 2–5, 2026

I look forward to continuing to communicate with you quarterly through this Regent message and feel free to contact me at any time. My contact information is [email protected], [email protected], office phone (507) 642-5205, cell phone (320) 493-5648, or you can always find my details in the Regent Directory or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-walz-mba-rn-bsn-fache-37759013.